Dublin in March: 14 Fun Things to See, Do & Eat

Discover things to do in Dublin in March. Find out if a March trip to Dublin is worth doing. Enjoy the best of Dublin around St. Patrick’s Day.

Are you wondering what it’s like to visit Dublin in March? I lived in Ireland for 12 years, close to Dublin City Centre and had the amazing opportunity to experience life in the capital during different parts of the year.

March is a popular month to visit Ireland. Why? St. Patrick's Day, of course! March 17th is a day celebrated around the world and many visitors come to Ireland for the parade and festivities.

Let’s explore a variety of cool things to see, do, and eat in Dublin in March to help inspire your own trip to Ireland at this time of year.

What is the Weather Like in Dublin in March?

Weather in Dublin is generally unpredictable no matter what time of year you visit. March is a transitional month, with weather that can be especially unpredictable. Average temperatures hover in the 40s and 50s generally (7°C-12°C). 

If your trip to Dublin coincides with March 17th, St. Patrick's Day (or Paddy's Day as the locals call it), bundle up and get outside for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. 

I recommend packing layers, sunglasses and an umbrella (carry both with you at all times since the weather can change rapidly). 

Bring a warm jacket (preferably one that you can fold up and jam into a purse or backpack if the weather warms up) and hat and gloves just in case. Due to the humidity, Dublin generally feels cooler than the objective temperature would suggest.

Things to do in Dublin in March at a Glance

Now let's take a look at things to do, see and eat in Dublin in March at a glance. Each heading is clickable and will take you directly to the item of interest.

Table of Contents

1. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
2. Walk from Clontarf to Bull Island
3. Seek out Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square
4. Welcome the Daffodils and Feed the Robins in Merrion Square Park
5. Take a Stroll in Stephen's Green
6. Take the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl
7. Explore Smithfield Square
8. Explore the Locks and Street Art in Grand Canal Dock
9. Grab a pint on the Grand Canal
10. Photograph Easter Doors
11. Shop for Antiques on Francis Street in the Liberties
12. See a Show at Abbey Theatre
13. Catch a Musical Bord Gais Energy Theatre
14. Grab a Pint at the Long Hall

Things to do in Dublin in March in Detail

Let's explore cool things to do in Dublin in March in more detail. I've actually done all of these things in the month of March, so they are tried and tested for this time of year. 

In Dublin, the weather is always a wild card, so I've broken down my recommendations into two parts: what to do if the weather is good and what to do in Dublin if it rains or the weather is bad.

What to do in Dublin in March if the Weather is Nice

1. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is probably the most popular and unique thing to do in Dublin in March. 

I celebrated my first Saint Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland by enjoying the parade along Dame Street, admiring the festive hats and wigs, and savoring the imaginative theme inspired by the short story "Brilliant" by Roddy Doyle. 

After the parade, I strolled down Grafton Street, visited a local pub to listen to Celtic Symphony, and appreciated the traditional Irish music while having a pint. A delightful St. Paddy's Day experience!

Note that St. Patrick’s Day can get messy as the day wears on. I recommend checking out the parade and then leaving Dublin City Centre for a quiet pint in Ballsbridge, Rathmines, Ranelagh or even as far afield as Dalkey (home to Irish stars like Bono and Pierce Brosnan).

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2. Walk from Clontarf to Bull Island

North Bull Island is a great place to go for a hike in Dublin in March. In fact, this is one of my favorite Dublin walks. Bull Island is located just offshore between Clontarf and Raheny. The best time to go is a couple of hours before high tide, as this is when the birds are most active. 

You can spot teals, godwits, barnacle geese, curlews and more on Bull Island. You may also see ringed plovers and skylarks, not to mention beautiful views of Howth Head. 

After your hike, you can enjoy a coffee and snack at Perky’s.

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3. Seek out Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square

The Oscar Wilde Statue in Merrion Square is a popular tourist attraction in Dublin and I think it’s a great place to visit in March. The statue was created by sculptor Oscar Nemon and was unveiled in 1997. The statue is made of different types of stone sourced from three different continents.

If you are a fan of literature and in particular Wilde’s wry wit, don’t miss this ode to one of Ireland's most famous and influential writers.

While you're here, if you are a Father Ted fan, make sure to check out "The Joker's Chair" which honors the late Dermot Morgan, the actor who played Father Ted himself.

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4. Welcome the Daffodils and Feed the Robins in Merrion Square Park

March in Dublin includes Daffodil Day, The Irish Cancer Society's biggest fundraiser and an opportunity to shine a light on cancer's impact on society and the good that is being done to find treatments and cures. 

Why not take a stroll in Merrion Square Park and watch the first daffodils peeping up from the soil?

If you bring a scone with you to the park like we often do in the morning, you'll likely make some new friends. The cute little robins are fearless and will come begging for a few crumbs if you sit down on a bench in the park to enjoy your treat.

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5. Take a Stroll in Stephen's Green

St. Stephen's Green is Dublin's most iconic park and one of my favorite free things to do in Dublin. This traditional Georgian Square park is surrounded by historic at the top of Grafton Street, St. Stephen's Green has a tranquil vibe, especially if you visit early in the morning. 

If the weather cooperates during your trip to Dublin in March, make time for a stroll in this idyllic green space in Dublin City Centre.

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6. Take the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

If you're looking for a fun and unique activity to do in Dublin in March, I highly recommend checking out the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. I recently had the opportunity to experience this with a group from work and it was an absolute blast.

We started our evening with a hearty Irish stew at Davy Byrnes, a pub with a stunning stained-glass dome. Then, we headed over to The Duke, where our guides entertained us with readings from famous Irish authors and even a bit of song and dance.

The crawl took us through the city streets, stopping at iconic pubs like O'Neill's and The Old Stand, where we soaked in the ambiance and enjoyed a pint or two. Our guides kept us engaged with trivia questions throughout the night, and I was lucky enough to win a Dublin Literary Pub Crawl t-shirt!

The entire experience was a wonderful blend of literature, history, and good old-fashioned Irish fun. If you're in Dublin in March, don't miss out on this gem of an activity.

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7. Explore Smithfield Square

Another fun thing to do in Dublin in March is visit Smithfield on Dublin's Northside. Smithfield is easily accessible via the Red Line on the Luas tram. 

Take some time to explore the National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts. This museum is home to a wide range of decorative arts from Ireland and around the world. 

You can learn about the history of Irish decorative arts, see beautiful works of art, and even make your own crafts. 

The Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery is also nearby. Take the Jameson Whiskey Tour to better understand the steps of the whiskey making process. 

You'll also get a generous tasting at the end. Jameson is one of my favorite places to taste whiskey in Dublin.

Smithfield is also home to L. Mulligan Grocer Gastropub. This gastropub is located in Stoneybatter, just a short walk from Smithfield. 

It serves up delicious Irish food and craft beer. L. Mulligan Grocer is famous for their Scotch Egg. 

After dinner, you catch a trad music set at the historic Cobblestone. Note, that the Cobblestone is about the music so you'll be expected to cut the chit chat and listen. If you want to catch up with friends, you can do it elsewhere.

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8. Explore the Locks and Street Art in Grand Canal Dock

If you visit Dublin in March, take a walk in Grand Canal Dock. If you walk back toward Brewdog, you'll find a series of locks that you can cross that will take you to one of Dublin's street art meccas along the River Dodder. 

I have declared this area one of my top Dublin hidden gems not to mention one of my favorite free things to do in Dublin. 

Dublin's Docklands also feature fantastic modern architecture if you are a fan.

Keep an eye out for swans as well. They tend to congregate on the serene waters of the Grand Canal near Bord Gais Theatre.

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9. Grab a pint on the Grand Canal

In March, Dublin is starting to emerge from a cold, dark winter. If the weather is nice, why not don a warm jacket and sit outside for a pint of Guinness at The Barge? 

The Barge is super-popular among locals in the summer, but I also enjoy visiting when it's less crowded during the shoulder season.

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10. Photograph Easter Doors

Dublin doors are iconic. One of my favorite things to do in Dublin in March is go "door hunting". If you do my doors scavenger hunt in the residential neighborhoods around Baggot Street and Leeson Street in Ballsbridge and Donnybrook, you are likely to find some doors decked out for Easter. 

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What to do in Dublin in March if it Rains

11. Shop for Antiques on Francis Street in the Liberties

If it rains during your visit to Dublin in March, head inside for a little shopping. If you are a fan of antiques, make sure to visit Francis Street in the Liberties. You never know what you'll find in the quaint little shops dotting this small road.

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12. See a Show at Abbey Theatre

I think the Irish theatre scene is one of the best in the world so going to the theatre is a great idea if it rains on your Dublin vacation. 

The Abbey Theatre is Ireland's National Theatre and has been in existence since 1904. If the weather turns bad on your trip to Dublin in March, check out what's on at the Old Abbey.

To find out what's playing at the Abbey Theatre, you can check the event schedule online or by calling the box office. You can also purchase tickets online or in person.

The Abbey was founded by by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory and stages a variety of plays, including many by Irish playwrights plus plenty of classic Shakespearean dramas.

We caught the final night's performance of King Lear at the Abbey Theatre.  I have a huge amount of respect for these Shakespearean actors who spout complicated lyrical dialogue without missing a beat.  Pro-tip: read a synopsis of the play in advance to help you understand the plot.

We also experienced a surprising treat.  During the performance the actors walked a couple of Irish wolfhounds across the stage. As we exited the theatre we found four of the enormous and gentle creatures waiting for the audience in the lobby.

Whether you are interested in seeing a classic play or a more experimental production, the Abbey Theatre is a must-see for any theater lover visiting Dublin. It is a vibrant and exciting theater that is always at the forefront of Irish culture. 

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13. Catch a Musical at Bord Gais Energy Theatre

The Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Grand Canal Doc is Dublin's go-to venue for musical theatre. The theatre itself was designed by famed architect Daniel Liebeskind and the facade is impressive in and of itself. 

If it rains during your trip to Dublin in March, check the schedule to see what's on. You may just find a light-hearted musical to lift your spirits. For example, we saw The Osmonds and were transported back in time by their hits of the 70s. 

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14. Grab a Pint at the Long Hall

My go-to activity in Dublin when it rains is to head to the pub. One of my favorite Dublin pubs is The Long Hall on South Great Georges Street. 

Inside, you'll find charming historic decor (think lots of dark wood paneling and Irish knick-knacks). I find that the bartenders in the Long Hall are particularly friendly and happy to have a chat. So, when it rains, sidle up to the bar and settle in until the weather clears.

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Where to Stay in Dublin in March

I lived in Dublin for 12 years, so I haven't availed of that many hotels here. However, I can personally recommend the following hotels based on my experience staying there:

1. The Wilder Townhouse is a boutique hotel that was once a home for retired governesses. It's situated in a 19th century brick building just a short walk to The National Concert Hall and St. Stephen's Green. The breakfast here is outstanding, the beds are comfy, and the rooms are named after former residents.
2. The Grand Canal Hotel is a more budget-friendly option with a craft beer bar called The Gasworks attached. It's close to the Google offices in Grand Canal Dock.
3. The Charlemont Hilton is conveniently located along the Grand Canal and within easy walking distance of Dublin City Centre, Ranelagh, and Rathmines. I found the hotel room to be well-insulated from noise and I got a great night's sleep.

I can also recommend a few other hotels that my family has stayed in:

1. The Marker is a posh hotel with a fabulous rooftop bar in Grand Canal Dock.
2. The Dylan is a boutique hotel in a historic building in Ballsbridge. It's walking distance to Dublin City Centre and just around the corner from the vibrant shops, restaurants, and pubs on historic Baggot Street.
3. The Schoolhouse Hotel is truly unique and is located in a historic school house. It's also home to one of my favorite pubs in Ireland.

In my experience, the best neighborhoods to stay in Dublin depend on your preferences. If you want to be in the heart of it all, stay around Stephen's Green. Ballsbridge or Grand Canal Dock is a good choice if you want to be central, but not too central.

In general, areas south of the River Liffey are considered more "posh" and areas north of the Liffey can be a bit edgier. I don't recommend staying in Temple Bar (it will be noisy!)

There are a number of hostels and cheaper accommodation along Gardiner Street on the North Side. This is definitely an edgier part of town and I wouldn't recommend it. 

Should You Visit Dublin in March?

There are pros and cons to visiting Dublin at any time of year. In March, I see the pros as:

1. You'll have the chance to experience the St. Patrick's Day Festivities.
2. A festive spirit takes over the city and you'll be more likely to experience proper Irish craic.
3. The days are getting longer so you'll have more daylight hours to explore.

The cons of visiting Dublin in March are:

1. A trip encompassing Paddy's Day is likely to be crowded.
2. Expect to pay a premium for flights and accommodation.
3. The weather is especially unpredictable.

Are you planning a trip to Ireland and trying to decide what time of year to visit? Check out month-by-month ideas of things to do in Dublin based on my personal experience:

Dublin in January

Dublin in February

Dublin in April

Dublin in May

Dublin in June

Dublin in July

Dublin in August

Dublin in September

Dublin in October

Dublin in November

Dublin in December

I also invite you to check out my comprehensive one-stop-shop post covering all the fantastic things to do in Dublin throughout the year. Or, why not dive deeper and explore the best places to visit in Ireland as a whole?

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